Non-adherence to medication and doctor–patient relationship: Evidence from a European survey

Abstract

Objective Studies on the determinants of non-adherence to medication have put emphasis in understanding the role of the doctor–patient relationship in individuals’ decision to follow recommendations. Yet, evidence on general perceptions that individuals hold about doctors and their impact on their decision to non-adhere is lacking. This paper aims to explore the issue using data from the European Social Survey (ESS). Methods The ESS was conducted in 2004/2005 and included 45,700 participants from 24 countries in Europe. A Heckman probit model with sample selection was used for the analysis. Results The results show that perceptions about doctors constitute the model that better explains non-adherence to prescribed medication. Conclusion and practice implications Our findings confirm that general beliefs individuals have about the doctor–patient relationship impact significantly on their decision to non-adhere to prescribed medication. Key points were shown to be involvement in the decision making process, treating patients as equals and avoiding leaving unresolved issues when prescribing.